Munk Dialogue with Munk Dialogue with George Will, Ash Sarkar, Jacob Rees Mogg, and Sohrab Ahmari
Oct 30, 2023
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George Will, Ash Sarkar, Jacob Rees Mogg, and Sohrab Ahmari are interviewed about the crisis of liberalism. They touch on topics such as the definition and evolution of liberalism, the positive impact of global trade, criticism of legislative bodies, views on liberalism, its failures in equality, understanding classical liberalism, and whether liberalism is the best answer.
Critics argue that liberalism's focus on individual freedom overlooks power imbalances in markets and leads to coercion and repression.
Critics point out that market economies often have concentrations of power, leading to coercion and inequality.
Critics argue that liberalism's emphasis on individual autonomy disregards collective rights and power imbalances.
Deep dives
The Concept of Liberalism
Liberalism is a belief that power comes from the individual and goes upwards, emphasizing freedom of the individual, association, speech, and economies. It is a belief in natural rights, limited government, and the belief that government is instituted to secure rights.
The Promises and Criticisms of Liberalism
Classical liberalism promises peace, cooperation, and the maximization of individual liberty. However, critics argue that liberalism has failed to deliver on key issues such as climate change, inequality, and foreign policy. They argue that liberalism's focus on individual freedom overlooks power imbalances in markets and leads to coercion and repression.
Liberalism and the Economic System
Liberalism promotes capitalism as the best way for individuals to coordinate their economic activity without coercion. However, critics point out that market economies often have concentrations of power, leading to coercion and inequality. They argue that liberalism's promise of a fair price is undermined by the power imbalances in markets.
Challenges to Liberalism's Neutrality
Liberalism is often seen as neutral, allowing individuals to pursue their own values and ideas of the good life. However, critics argue that liberalism's emphasis on individual autonomy disregards collective rights and power imbalances. They believe that liberalism's focus on individual freedom overlooks larger societal issues and fails to address the big questions of meaning and purpose.
Alternative to Liberalism
While liberalism has provided a framework for coexistence and cooperation, critics argue that there are alternatives to liberalism that address its shortcomings. They advocate for reforms and amelioration within the existing liberal systems, such as greater redistribution, workers' rights, and stronger social safety nets.
On November 3rd four debaters will take to the stage at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall to debate the crisis of liberalism.
The motion is Be it Resolved, liberalism gets the big questions right.
On this Munk Dialogue, we are speaking with each of the debaters who are taking part in this important and timely debate, to get a sense of their arguments and what we can expect from them on stage at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall on November 3rd.
Arguing for the motion is the controversial British M.P. and former cabinet minister, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg. He will be joined by the American writer and columnist who has shaped a generation’s thinking on the important issues of our time: George F. Will.
Opposing the motion is U.K. journalist, self-avowed communist and popular leftist thinker, Ash Sarkar. Her debating partner is the disruptive and thought-provoking American social conservative, Sohrab Ahmari, author of the bestseller Tyranny Inc.: How Private Power Crushed American Liberty.
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Members receive access to our 10+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, newsletter and ticketing privileges at our live events.This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue - https://munkdebates.com/
Senior Producer: Ricki Gurwitz
Editor: Kieran Lynch
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